DSA 2023

[bbbay]

Thanks for the reply. Streaming is necessary to develop the kids further into what they are really good at, but I don't think it's appropriate to stream too early like this. It doesn't make sense. From the quote you got from MOE website, isn;t it time to change base on life-long learning approach/innovation approach now?

They talk about holistic approach bla bla but at the end it's still grading base only. Honestly I was extremely shock when I first studied here. They did not seem to cultivate the environment for real learning, but only for grades. It goes all the way from primary all the way to uni. Students are trained to excel in exam.

I suppose local approach is to strive a balance between idealism and pragmatism. The SBB is already an evolution of the system: recognise both strength and weakness of each student. And when students become good at their weak subjects in later years, they can switch back to G3 (or whatever the equivalent of mainstream). So it’s not a case of box up, once streamed.

And our integrated program , allowing students explore outside the usual curriculum. You can Google more on it.

Each country has it unique set of constraints. Singapore has not much leeway relatively to other countries in some aspects. What works in one country may not work in another.

[Shyna]

I think the concern here is not if the child can cope eventually (which is also questionable as it is dependent on a lot of factors) but more what if the child’s interest in that domain wanes but he has to fulfil his commitment for the FULL 6 years

[floppy]

I think the concern here is not if the child can cope eventually (which is also questionable as it is dependent on a lot of factors) but more what if the child’s interest in that domain wanes but he has to fulfil his commitment for the FULL 6 years

FOUR years, not six.

[Hendon]

the rationale for streaming in local education system:

“In the 70s, a large number of students were having difficulty finishing primary school and dropping out. Streaming was introduced to cater to the different learning paces of students. This reduced the drop-out rate significantly.”


https://www.moe.gov.sg/microsites/psle- ... eaming.pdf


As for DSA, the selection process will identify candidates likely to fit; able to handle the demands from both talent and academics domains

The big picture is any country is geared towards providing for its well being. Economics being a large part of a small country without natural resources, being a child here means being part of this system of being prepared for its labour force.

[yellowbus1010]

I think the concern here is not if the child can cope eventually (which is also questionable as it is dependent on a lot of factors) but more what if the child’s interest in that domain wanes but he has to fulfil his commitment for the FULL 6 years

I for sure would not have enjoyed competitive sports, can't imagine the child has to do it at early age. But this is the only way to scout for local talents and groom them I guess. We parents should not rig the system, let it function the way
it is supposed to be then? Would you let your child sacrifice a big part of their life, and probably a big part of their future for the nation's sport achievements given what you know? It's a dangerous game.

So any parents only started to prepare for the kids for DSA recently only?

[hello-panda]

If you are against the idea why do u even want to put your daughter in it?

[lassie girl]

February marks the start of many exciting activities, especially for dsa. In the weeks or months ahead we will have the NSGs and academic olympians, and all the internal and external events for their respective talent areas. Not forgetting all the school weighted assessments that will also be used for the dsa consideration. As much as possible, I believe everyone with a vested interest wish to get a confirmed offer or at least a waitlist. But before u sink deeper into the “task” or end goal, just want to remind all parents to enjoy this journey with your child because when the focus is on the process and not the end result of a CO/WL, the final end result is confirmed to be a strengthened parent-child relationship. Now that the covid restrictions are lifted, be there as much as u can for all their important milestones. Cheer, scream, celebrate and rejoice with them as they go through their final year in primary school, or cry, hug and console them as and when they need it. You will be surprised by what u will experience and learn out there as a parent, in person with them on this journey.

Having gone through this more than once, I always look back with gratitude on how the journey has shaped my children, and how the dsa process has brought us closer. We were there as supporters whenever we can, because we learnt from other parents with older kids, to enjoy this last bit of the primary school journey (because when they become teenagers, they most likely won’t like their parents to be around anymore). Then we became “participants” by mingling with other parents and relevant personnel in their talent areas’ social circle, learning and gathering feedback about the future schools’ strengths and weaknesses, hoping to figure out which school will be a good fit. And as we take part in the process with our children, we understand a little more about them, we see some things in them that we don’t normally see at home, what matters to them and how they react when faced with challenges, and how they manage stress. With this new found understanding, we were more receptive to our children’s views and better understand their strengths and weaknesses when it was time to put in their application. (And trust me - your child’s chances of success will be better if u look for the best fit instead of the “best school”). The children are also more receptive to the parents’ views, because they knew we were part of their journey. This helped build the foundation for our parent-child relationship as they progress to secondary school and enter their teenage years. For better or worst, these P6s will grow up to be different from that young sweet child of ours, with a mind of their own so u would want to win them over to your side for as long as possible.

I always say - dsa for the right reasons, not just for that golden ticket to a certain school. The selection process is meant to sieve out the suitable candidates with real interest and talent, with the most popular schools having the biggest pool of candidates. Allow your child to find their talent, and see them blossom on this journey. Good luck to all!

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[AHsDad]

Good post by Lassie

DSA is NOT for everyone. It’s NOT supposed to be a golden ticket to dream school. It’s too late to strategise anything for 2023 now. If plan too early also risk the domain may be dropped.

Admit I was guilty of all the above for my no1 in 2021. For my no2, IF going thru DSA next year, it’s easily just 1 domain 1 school for her but high chance too we may skip DSA altogether. Her only motivation now is to “go same school as sister”... so we shall discuss again next year when time comes. In mean time, will let her enjoy her art and build up her portfolio

[Mr.Clumsy]

FOUR years, not six.

I believe the DSA commitment in the IP stream is for 6 years.

[AHsDad]

Not sure if it’s 6 for any particular IP but it’s 4 for RGS